Football - Liverpool FC: RAFAEL BENITEZ has paid tribute to Pepe Reina after the Liverpool goalkeeper earned his fourth Barclays Golden Gloves award in five years.

Despite a disappointing season for the Anfield outfit, Reina’s tally of 17 clean sheets tied him in first place for the gong with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.

Reina, who is preparing for the forthcoming World Cup finals with Spain, was one of the few Liverpool players to emerge with any credit from a campaign of underachievement.

The keeper underlined his commitment to the Anfield cause by penning a new six-year deal last month.

And Reina has received praise from his manager who believes he is an example of “a modern goalkeeper”.

“Reina is a fantastic keeper,” said Benitez. “When we need him, he is there. The award is well deserved.

“He has been fantastic, not only in terms of his performances this season, but also for three or four years in a row.

“Pepe is a keeper for a top side because he may not be involved in a game, but then still make great saves because he is always focused and concentrated. If there are one or two situations in a game, he is ready.

“He is a modern goalkeeper who can play outside of the box too. He is more of a sweeper than a keeper – but if you need him to be a keeper, he is one of the best.”

Benitez’s own future remains unresolved, with the Spaniard waiting for a third meeting with Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton to discuss a number of issues, including funds for the summer transfer window.

Interest from Juventus has ended with the Serie A side having turned to Luigi del Neri, who resigned as Sampdoria coach on Monday.

While Italy could yet remain an option for Benitez, AC Milan, without a manager after Leonardo’s departure, are thought ready to turn to a former player with Frank Rijkaard the favourite.

And it is unlikely the Spaniard would be willing to follow in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, given the Portuguese is expected to switch to Real Madrid in the summer.

In any case, Benitez has expressed his desire to stay at Liverpool provided he is given certain assurances over the future direction of the club.

And he is confident Liverpool can still attract players of a high calibre even though they are playing in the Europa League next season.

“Liverpool is a massive club and can attract top-class players because of their name and their history and the quality we have in the squad,” said Benitez. “Always we have targets in mind. We have been working and preparing the targets and every year is the same.”

Former Liverpool right-back Markus Babbel has been named the new manager of German side Hertha Berlin, who were relegated from the Bundesliga this month.